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How Long Does Metformin Take To Normalize Insulin Levels?

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Posted on Mon, 4 May 2015
Question: How long for Metformin to be used to normalize insulin level? I am not diabetic A1c 4.2 but am insulin resistant.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (57 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
3 weeks minimum

Detailed Answer:
Good day,

Metformin is an excellent drug to reduce insulin resistance. The onset of action is after 3 weeks from starting. So it takes 3 weeks to 1 month to normalize insulin levels. However, you need to do diet control and exercise along with it.

The minimum dose required to reduce insulin resistance is between 1000 to 1500 mg daily. How do you know if you have insulin resistance? Your HbA1c is excellent. How are your periods? Any excess hair growth over face or body? What about BMI ?

Have you had a fasting blood sugar or OGTT done?
Regards
Binu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (9 hours later)
My insulin serum is high. My periods are irregular. I have unexplained weighy gain and elevated dhea-s.no excess hair but slight shadowing under arms
doctor
Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Metformin in insulin resistance

Detailed Answer:
Metformin is an excellent drug to reduce insulin resistance and helps to regulate periods and may also induce ovulation. However, if your hbA1c , Fasting blood glucose and glucose tolerence tests are normal, it is not recommended to use it just for high insulin levels ( as per Endocrine society guidelines). But many endocrinologists including myself use it off label in PCOS. It is effective.
The dark pigmentation on your underarms probably is acanthosis nigricans.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (30 minutes later)
Can the met hurt me or cause me to develop diabetes? I have also been dx with slight pcos. Can high insulin contribute to insomnia?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (3 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Helps to reduce chances of diabetes

Detailed Answer:
Metformin doesn't cause diabetes. But instead, it helps to reduce chances of developing diabetes in the future. It is a well tolerated drug with minimal sideeffects like gas formation or diarrhea in the begenning which improve with time.
Insulin resistance or high insulin doesn't cause insomnia.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 1439 Questions

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How Long Does Metformin Take To Normalize Insulin Levels?

Brief Answer: 3 weeks minimum Detailed Answer: Good day, Metformin is an excellent drug to reduce insulin resistance. The onset of action is after 3 weeks from starting. So it takes 3 weeks to 1 month to normalize insulin levels. However, you need to do diet control and exercise along with it. The minimum dose required to reduce insulin resistance is between 1000 to 1500 mg daily. How do you know if you have insulin resistance? Your HbA1c is excellent. How are your periods? Any excess hair growth over face or body? What about BMI ? Have you had a fasting blood sugar or OGTT done? Regards Binu